The 29-year-old will get another opportunity to show his former club what they are missing when United head to west London on Sunday, but the two-time Premier League title winner insists he has no added incentive to impress.

Matic told reporters ahead of the heavyweight encounter: “When I played there I showed my quality. We won the title twice, we also won cups. So I don’t need to prove anything to them - I need to prove it to my new club.

“I spent a good time at Chelsea, three-and-a-half years is a long time, so, of course, it means a lot to me to go back. It’s going to be something special to play again in the stadium.

“But now I’m on the other side, I’m a Manchester United player. I’m a professional and I’m going to do my best against them to get three points for my team. We know how important this game is.”

United will face Chelsea with two old adversaries coming off the back of contrasting experiences in Europe. The Red Devils eased their way past Benfica 2-0 at Old Trafford, while the Blues suffered a 3-0 humbling away at Roma.